AA2A : How to apply for the scheme

How to apply for the scheme

If you wish to be kept informed about future schemes you can add your name to our email list by emailing us at: AA2A@wendymason.biz

Application timetable

32 AA2A schemes (click here for list) have finished recruiting artists for 2008/09. The schemes began in October 2008 and run until April 2009.
Application Packs are ONLY available directly from the colleges. These should be available for next year's schemes from the end of July 2009.
Application deadlines vary and will be available on individual college pages. None are before 1st September 2009.

Eligibility

Artists must not have been engaged in any full, or part time study, which allowed access to workshops for more than 4 hours a week, at an art college or similar institution in the last year
Artists must have their own place of work and be able to work with minimal technical support (unless specific training is offered by the college)
Artists who were on AA2A schemes run from 2006 to 2007 or before, can reapply in 2009 i.e. artists may only apply every three years

Application procedure

Contact the college to get an information pack and application form
If applying to more than one college, applicants may take only one place. Applicants may be offered a place and asked to make a decision before having received an offer from a second college.
Relevant staff from the college and an independent panel member will meet to assess the suitability of the applications
Selected artists will be invited to the college to discuss their proposal with relevant staff and technicians with the aim of negotiating an access agreement which suits both parties
Firm offers will be made to those artists whose proposals can be accommodated

Selection criteria

The project aims to ensure that all artists are encouraged to take part in the schemes regardless of gender, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, class, age or educational background.
The selection of artists will be on the basis of commitment, need, ability to make best use of the opportunity. Also the suitability of their proposal and their professionalism as an artist
Artists applying for the scheme will be expected to show evidence of at least *one years professional practice (not necessarily as a self employed person). *(see note 1 below)

NB : * exception to selection criteria : If you feel that you have a disability which has impeded your ability to fulfil this criteria then you can ask that this be disregarded. You will only be required to demonstrate that you have sustained a professional attitude and commitment to your work over the same period.

‘The Art House’ are happy to give advise and support to help disabled artists with the application process. However they cannot give information about individual schemes or handle general enquiries about AA2A. Please contact individual colleges directly (click here for list) or the AA2A National Coordinator at the email address at the top of the page.
DISABLED ARTISTS - email: info@the-arthouse.org.uk
tel: 01924 377740 Fax: 01924 377090 Minicom: 01924 377310

The application form

This is only available from the individual colleges. It asks for the following information:-

Do you have any previous experience or knowledge of art college/school environments?
How would you try to ensure that students benefited from your presence?
Which of the departments facilities / equipment do you think you would want to use during the access period and describe your level of experience using these types of equipment.
Do you have any preferred days or hours of access?
Describe the type of work / project you want to use the facilities for.
Explain how the access will enable you to develop your work.
Do you have any particular aims or outcomes you want to achieve?
Provide up to 300 words summarising your answers to the three questions above. NB: This will be used on the website next to an image of your work
Provide a C.V. outlining your professional experience and relevant qualifications
Provide the name and address of a referee
Send up to 10 (returnable) images and one (non-returnable) image of your work